Attention! We have ooths incubating for several species right now, but cannot do "wait" lists. Please keep checking back on this page (remember to scroll all the way down). Thanks!
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Mantids for Sale:
We want your mantis-buying experience to be a happy one, so please read the important paragraphs below before making your purchase. Thank you!
Looking for a specific species? I have listed here what we have in stock as a quick-reference guide for those who know what they are looking for, however, you'll still have to scroll down to select your nymph, as I can't link to a specific part of the page with this software (sorry!)
Quick List of Available Species:Popa Spurca - Available Soon!
S. carolina - Available Soon! |
T. sinensis - Chinese Mantis (Nymph AND Ooths!) P. paradoxa - Ghost Mantis |
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This Page Last Updated On: 6-11-2013
Attention!: If you are not be able to be home to receive a package, we can ship to a work address...OR, we can request that the package be held at the post office for you. Simply let us know in the "Instructions to Seller/Note to Seller" area when you checkout! We require signatures on ALL orders containing live animals, except feeders. Please be sure someone is home to sign for the package or your Live Arrival Guarantee will be void! *NEW Winter Shipping Notice!*: Live arrival guarantee is now extended to Priority-mailed packages, as long as your local temps do not drop below 32 degrees! If your local temps are outside of the 55-85 degree "optimal shipping window", we would appreciate notification from you on your order form! Otherwise, we have to guess! Postal delivery trucks are NOT climate-controlled, so if your local temps are 32 degrees and below, please CONTACT US and request your package be held for pickup at your local post office or we will NOT guarantee live arrival! Never fear, heat packs are here! Shipping in the winter is far safer for live animals, because we can use long-lasting heat packs in their insulated boxes to keep your pets nice & warm all the way to their destination...even if it takes a few days! You do NOT need to "add a heat pack to cart" ...we include those for you, FREE OF CHARGE, to ensure the safety & comfort of your new pets! Thanks! |
WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE OF THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES! Please DO NOT ask!
Please DOUBLE-CHECK your shipping address when you checkout! A lot of people forget to do that, and if your order has already shipped an old/invalid address, there is NOTHING that WE or the POSTAL SERVICE can do about it! (The post office cannot re-route packages in transit!) If your shipping address is different from the one you have listed with Paypal, please LET US KNOW that it is different by using the contact form, "note to seller/merchant" during checkout, or email directly to: greenoasisreptiles@live.com Thanks! If you have items in your shopping cart for more than 7 days, please double-check this page before checking out, as we may have sold out of the item/species in the interim between you placing it in your cart & actually ordering! We package your order with the utmost concern towards the care & safety of your pet for the duration of its journey! What our customers are saying: "I ordered a praying mantis for my daughter for Christmas. That was really the only thing she wanted. I just wanted to let you know that you made the process very easy! I was a little concerned, especially since we live in Minnesota and it is December. I was concerned about it getting here alive and keeping it alive. "Thank you so much. My boys are super excited! |
*New* We now have videos of many species listed below!
We thought it would be nice for folks to see videos of their potential pets in action, since it is difficult to get a "feel" for an animal without seeing, visually, what they are really like, so with permission of a dear friend & fellow hobbyist, Henry K. (Precarious333 on YouTube), we have linked his video work of many of the species of mantids listed below! We cannot express our gratitude in simple words, so instead we will ask you, our dear customers, to please watch any & all videos that interest you, and subscribe to Henry's channel if you like them! Please give him the kudos he deserves! The macro views & audio (Henry's original compositions are featured in most of the videos) are a visual & auditory delight!
MANTIS STARTER PACKAGE
New to keeping mantids? Have we got a great deal for you! The starter package includes:
• a fully decorated mantis enclosure with coco bark substrate, • a fine mist spray bottle, • 10 bamboo skewers (to help wrangle smaller nymphs out of the enclosure, or to feed a treat of honey!), • an order of appropriately-sized feeder flies (either fruit flies, houseflies or blue bottle flies) • complete beginner care instructions and, • a beautiful praying mantis nymph! ***We also offer a deluxe package deal that includes a copy of Praying Mantids - Keeping Aliens by Orin McMonigle & A. Lasebny ...perfect for the beginner to start learning all about these amazing creatures! Our enclosures are all handmade & decorated (by Carey!), so please allow up to 3 business days for processing on orders containing enclosures. Thanks! |
Small starter package - $26.00
Comes with 1 free Miomantis paykullii (Egyptian Mantis) Medium starter package - $30.00 Comes with 1 free Phyllocrania paradoxa (Ghost Mantis) Large starter package - $38.00 Comes with ***Add the book "Keeping Aliens" by Orin McMonigle and A. Lasenby to your starter package by choosing the DELUXE starter package for only $10.00 more. Small Mantis Starter Package:If you are ordering the DELUXE kit for a child, please remember to let us know in the "Note to Seller" section when you check out!
Medium Mantis Starter Package (Says Budwing, but will come with a Ghost, as we are temporarily out of Budwings!):If you are ordering the DELUXE kit for a child, please remember to let us know in the "Note to Seller" section when you check out!
Large Mantis Starter Package:If you are order the DELUXE kit for a child, please remember to let us know in the "Note to Seller" section when you check out!
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*New!* Teacher's Classroom Kit:What a sweet deal! Here's a new kit with all of you educators in mind! You receive everything that comes in the regular starter kits, PLUS: a small jar of Flower Power Gold™ mantis treat, 30 toothpicks, 3 reproducibles pages (one crossword, one word search & one coloring page), and YOUR choice of any of the available species below (small species with small kits, and the like.) Use the handy-dandy contact form to let us know which species you would prefer AFTER you place your order...if you have no preference, just say so & we'll choose something nice for you!
As always, the deluxe kits come with a copy of Praying Mantids - Keeping Aliens, for educators that want to know more! |
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Attention Starter Kit Buyers! We are changing over to a new supplier for mantis enclosures. As a result, the enclosure you receive MAY not look like the one pictured above, but it will be a BETTER-QUALITY item. (The new Medium &
Large Enclosures are hexagonal.) We hope to get pics up of the new enclosures soon.
We do not ship outside of the contiguous United States!
Praying Mantids - Keeping Aliens Book by Orin McMonigle & A. Lasebny
Just what you've been looking for! Perfect for the beginning mantis-keeper or someone who just wants a bit more knowledge on the subject of mantids.
We were even lucky enough to get the primary author...The Great Orin McMonigle...to autograph them for us! 45 pgs - Paperback $13.49 Get this book FREE with the purchase of a Deluxe Starter Kit! |
Praying Mantises by Sandra Markle - Currently UNAVAILABLE
With special thanks to Dr. David Yager, University of Maryland, a fellow hobbyist & sometime customer of ours. His contribution to this children's book was much appreciated by the author and so to us!
This book has a primary focus on European & Chinese mantises (common species here in the US), but most of the content can be applied to mantises in general & serves as a great introduction to mantises for a younger child. I would say from looking it over that the average age range for the material would be around 8-12 years old, but would certainly be suitable for any age beginner who just wants a basic introduction to mantises. Note: This book does NOT contain care instructions, however, care instructions are included with every live mantis order! $9.99 - Currently UNAVAILABLE Get this book FREE with the purchase of a Deluxe Starter Kit! (You must request the "children's" kit/book when you checkout with a Deluxe kit, otherwise you will get the Keeping Aliens book instead!) P.S. Since the price of the children's book is a few dollars lower than the other book that would normally be included in the kit, we will also add a FREE small jar of Flower Power GOLD™ to the Deluxe kit and a few worksheets, when you specify that it is for a child, to make up the difference! Watch your child's eyes light up as they feed their pet mantis a treat of Flower Power GOLD™!
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What's with the little hearts? We're rating these guys as far as how they feed, breed & general behavior.
♥♥♥♥ - Means that this is a very easy species, suitable for beginners.
♥♥♥ - A little extra care is required for this species, but still easy.
♥♥ - More involved care required, some experience with other species is a bonus.
♥ - An advanced species requiring more extensive care, not suitable for beginners.
For more information about the care requirements for specific species, please see the Advanced Care Sheets! (We are still working on them.)
Remember to scroll ALL THE WAY down to see all available species! Thanks!
We will NEVER list species that we haven't actually kept in our collection before!
*New Species!* Mesopteryx alata - Taiwan Giant Grass Mantis Adult female is shown on the left, adult male is shown on the right.
We were very fortunate indeed to receive this species along with H. venosa (to the left) from a dear friend & fellow hobbyist! When I first looked them up on the web for images, they didn't look very impressive to me, but when I received the adults..."Holy Cow!"...is all I could say. I will have to get a better picture of them soon, as my camera just doesn't do them justice. They are BIG and beautiful! Adults resemble what you might imagine if you could cross a Brunner's & a Chinese mantis (no, you can't, but these guys sure make you think you could). Overall coloring is primarily green, but adults have a red "racing stripe" down the back of their abdomen and some have shades of tan on their wings, along with pink on the head & thorax! Females exceed 4 inches in length, not including their blonde antennae! Males are nearly as big as the females and also sport a green racing stripe along the sides of the wings. Both adults & nymphs are very calm & docile. *Added Note* - Even the little L2 nymphs are VERY calm & will sit on your finger nicely (and maybe even drink "dew" from it!)
*Out of Stock!* - Rearing a new generation of breeders! |
*New Species!* Hierodula venosa - Yen's Red-Armed Asian Mantis™
We have only just hatched these guys, so will have more information as it becomes available. Nymphs are very active & can be seen running around their enclosure from time to time. Care is be the same as any other Hierodula species. (Or follow guidelines under "General Mantis Care".)
*Out of Stock!* - Rearing a new generation of breeders! |
Rhombodera valida - Green Shield Mantis, Giant Shield MantisThese guys are very new for us, and while they are closely related to R. stalli (which can be seen on our home page), they are a larger species, and somewhat hardier overall than their cousin. The problem with R. stalli was when it came to breeding. Males (or females, we're not really certain) were often sterile, despite dietary supplementation, and the species just proved too difficult to keep going generation to generation. With R. valida, we have not experienced this problem, and yet, they have the same endearing personality as R. stalli, on an even larger frame! Thoracic "shields" in this species are larger than R. stalli, more rounded, and individuals do not seem to be as prone to "black eye" either! We hope that you will love the new Shield Mantis as much as we do!
Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ ***Breeder's Note: Early instars (L1-L4) absolutely REQUIRE additional misting in order to prevent mismolts! Mist 2x a day, or more if you live in a dry environment. *Out of Stock!* - Breeding now! |
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*New Species!* - Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii - Spiny Flower Mantis
Welcome to this long-honored hobbyist favorite! So far, they look pretty awesome! (And ours are yet young!) Very "spiky" looking on their abdomen and full of color. Nymphs go through an amazing color change as they hatch out jet black & become progressively lighter & more colorful as they go through their molts. By the time they are subadult (such as the one pictured above), they have a range of colors from purple & pink, to bright green & white with lovely black & lavender-striped antennae! We even have a subadult individual with blazing purple highlights on the abdomen! Great personality on these guys, too, so we hope to be able to offer many nymphs of this species very soon! Care is the same for any other flower species.
Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost* - If you have this species and would like to help, please contact us! |
*New Species!* - Pseudomantis albofimbriata - False Garden Mantis
Not sure what a "false garden mantis" is supposed to be, but looks to me about like an S. limbata, but slightly smaller. (Or like a big Miomantis paykullii.) Cute species, "classic" mantis look. Females are gentle & easy to handle & males don't die extremely quickly like similar species. They will eat just about anything, but crickets seem to be a favorite for them. Make sure to supplement crickets with Flower Power, as crickets have next to no nutritional value of their own! These guys have both a green phase & a very "latte" brown phase. Care is the same as most "classic" species.
Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost* - If you have this species and would like to help, please contact us! |
*New Species!* - Harpagomantis tricolor - Tricolor Flower Mantis
Very new, very small. These guys max out at about >1" in length, but are gorgeous to look at. They remind me of a tiny Wahlbergii. Adult males are often skittish, but females are fairly calm. These make a nice addition to a Small Mantis Starter kit & an awesome display as a "desk pet". They can be kept communally so long as food is always readily available. Not too fussy about humidity or food type either! Our stock originated with the stock shown in the video below!
Semi-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost* - If you have this species and would like to help, please contact us! |
*New Species!* - Ephestiasula pictipes - Purple Boxer Mantis
Another little species, these guys are absolutely adorable! Their color is more of a mauvy-purple than true purple, but it's their actions that award them so much fame. They will "box" their raptors out into the air (slowly). Whether to blend in with surrounding environments or communicate to one another (other flower species "box" their raptors to communicate with each other), it is very fun to watch! We are looking forward to being able to breed this species. Care is the same as any other flower species.
Semi-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* |
Hymenopus coronatus - Malaysian Orchid Mantis
The epitome of every beginner's collection, the Orchid mantis looks like just that, an Orchid! Stunning specimens with pink, lavender & green highlights on a stark white background really pop in the enclosure! Females gets fairly large, close to 3" at maturity, but males mature at only 1" in length. Both sexes are fairly calm & easy to handle. Not picky about prey, they will eat flies, moths, crickets or even mealworms. Mating them has been a challenge for us, as females have an extra molt (or maybe two?), and males mature & die quickly.
Semi-communal. Not to be released in the US. *Species Lost!* - If you have this species and would like to help, please contact us! |
Miomantis paykullii - Egyptian Mantis Fresh adult Egyptian mantis
A small, long-lived species, Mios are very active and you'll have to keep an eye on them when opening their enclosure, as they love to pop out & say "Hi"! Their colors range from a pale straw color to a light "sea foam" green that almost glows! This is a very female-heavy species, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee sexes until they are subadult. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* -Breeding soon! Hierodula parviceps - Asian Marbled Mantis Adult female H. parviceps
A large, gorgeous species, they can come in many color ranges of green, brown and beige with lovely marbeling in brown, pink & green, and anything in between. Females can be very aggressive, but mostly with prey. Sometimes they will raptor-flick when startled or mishandled, but are usually calm. Adult females are close to 3.5" long, males around 2+". Will eat many types of insect prey, including crickets & superworms. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* -Rearing a new generation of breeders! |
Creobroter pictipennis - Indian Flower Mantis
These guys are just gorgeous, with personalities to match! Creobroters are aggressive feeders and can even take down blue bottle flies at L3! Adult females LOVE their crickets (remember to supplement with Flower Power™, as Flower species, in particular, need the extra nutrients!) Adult females are 1.5" in length, males are similar in size, but not as "fat". Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. (Picture is of a nymph.) ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Rearing a new generation of breeders!
"Just wanted to say that everything arrived very well packaged and the mantis had molted and was very healthy! I will order more for sure." |
Oxyopsis gracilis - South American Green Mantis Adult green female
These guys are a smallish medium species, with both males & females maturing to about 2" in length. Males are much more slender & prone to flight. A female-heavy species, males will be rarely offered & priced separetely. Typical coloration is green, or green with brown highlights. The brown can be light as beige or as dark as coffee! Very pretty & curious little mantises. Even L1 nymphs are very calm & handleable! Our stock originated with the stock shown in the video below! Semi-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Incubating ooths! |
African Twig Mantis - Popa spurca Adult female Popa spurca
These guys are masters of camouflage! When approached, they will often thrust out their raptorial arms in a "twig" pose and stay motionless until you walk away! They are a medium-sized species that can be kept together when small. Very easy to keep and very docile and easy to handle. They will eat just about anything, but prefer flying/active foods.
Semi-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Hatching now! L2 nymphs will be available very soon!
"Just received my mantis and oh my goodness she is sooooo tiny and so cute! |
Sphodromantis sp. "Blue Flash" - African Mantis Adult female in the rare green phase. Typically, they are "brown phase"
Blue Flash is a medium-large species, with pale blue markings & hindlegs. Some individuals are a pale green (as pictured here) but most are darker green or brown. Adult females have a very calm demeanor & a great appetite! Adult males are a little more skittish, and prefer smaller foods. Nymphs can be very quick, though, which I believe is where the "flash" comes from! Raptorial arms are fiery yellow, orange & black! Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* |
Deroplatys lobata - Dead Leaf Mantis
The Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis only has one true color form, but there are many "shades of grey" within this species, ranging from dark, to light, with some brown or tan highlights in between. A closer look at their camouflage reveals even details like veins that you would see on a dead leaf. Their personality is absolutely amazing & endearing, too boot, and we tend to sell out quickly because of this alone. They can be finicky about food, however, with males preferring flying foods, and females prefering ground-crawling prey (such as crickets or meal/superworms). Mating is a real challenge, as females are very aggressive and tend to grab & eat males before they even have a chance. Males also tend to mature & die quickly, and females have an extra molt, so "timing" is critical to mating success. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* |
Hierodula multispina
This was one of our first species! A larger species, adult females are often close to or exceeds 4" in length, males are similar in size, but smaller in frame. They also more skittish, and some individuals (usually males) can be startled quite easily. Easy to maintain & breeds easily. Not as heavy an eater as other Hierodula species, but takes to hand-feeding very well. Can be either a bright green or mottled mauvy-brown. I personally like the brown phase because it gives them lovely lavender eyes! Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species and can help, please let us know! |
Brunneria borealis - Brunner's/American Stick Mantis Brunner's Mantis Nymph
The most fascinating thing about this large species is that it is made up entirely of females! Each female will lay ooths without ever having contact with another of her species, which will in turn, hatch out little clones of herself! A great species if you like the "stick" look! These guys are the longest species in America, with average length around 5 inches! Colors vary from pale brown to a gorgeous emerald green! This species requires good ventilation & smaller food than you might expect. Even adults cannot eat small mealworms without "assistance" in getting through the tough exoskeleton. Flies or crickets are definitely the preferred foods for these guys!
Non-communal. Can be released in the US (Texas). ♥♥♥ These are a seasonal species, and will only be available spring-early summer! *Out of Stock!* - More available soon! |
Idolomantis diabolica - Giant Devil's Flower Mantis
This most gorgeous & largest of the flower species is the epitome of every new mantid keepers collection, but they are not for the faint of heart. Conditions must be optimal for them to molt successfully at each instar, and even then, there is a high risk of failure on the final molt to adulthood. They NEED many small, rough branches to cling to when molting. They need plenty of heat (a small desk lamp with a 60 watt bulb about 12" away from the enclosure works), and they need average to better than average humidity to molt properly. Of those three things, the perch seems to be the most primary concern. Heat is second, and humidity a close third (except for the final molt, which seems to require the most humidity of all the molts). This species is NOT recommended for a beginner. Having some experience under the belt would grant more success at rearing this species, but even advanced hobbyists will find this species to be a challenge.
♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species & would like to help, we'd love to hear from you! |
Acromantis formosa - Taiwan Flower Mantis
A cute little flower mantis from Taiwan. These guys are very hardy & suitable for beginners. They tend to be more skittish than other flower species and defensively jump like a jumping bean when startled, but they will calm down when gently handled for a little while. Most individuals are brown with bright green highlights on the sides. The center of the wings can be either pale brown or brownish green. Slightly more frequent misting (remember DAILY) is required to prevent crinkled wings on adults.
We will not have very many of these available at first, as we are trying to establish a good-sized breeding group! ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species & would like to help, please let us know! |
Sphodromantis sp. "Black Flash™" - African Mantis
We're not exactly sure which Sphodromantis sub-species this is, so we're just calling it "Sphodromantis sp." for now until we know for sure. We have been told by other keepers that they believe this could be "Blue Flash", but it is our opinion that they are not exactly the same. Their coloration is overall darker, they do not have the "blue flash" on the raptorial arms (if anything, it is a "Black Flash"...even on the rare "green phase" individuals), their behaviour is overall much less skittish than Blue Flash, and their oothecae have a slightly different look to them. What we know, for certain, is that they are a nice, gentle species. The nymphs do not have a tendency to RUN like Blue Flashes & adults are very personable & intelligent-looking. Our best guess is that this *could* be a locality-specific Sphodromantis sp that is closely related to Blue Flash, so we have been & will continue to keep them separate from Blue Flash & will NOT cross the two species.
As a differentiation between these and Blue Flash, we will call THIS species "Black Flash™". ♥♥♥♥ *Incubating ooths!* - Hatching now! L2 nymphs will be available very soon! |
Heirodula majuscula -
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Pnigomantis medioconstricta - Double Shield Mantis Adult female P. constricta
A large, beautiful species. Great to care for & even small nymphs are very calm & attentive. The picture doesn't do them justice, as they have beautiful lavender forearms & eyes, with gold highlights on their raptors. Nymphs can be either brown or green (green is rare, though), but we have yet to witness a green adult. Adult females are very aggressive eaters & will not hesitate to grab up a male as a snack when he is introduced. Extra males are a must for breeding. Females are around 3.5" as adults, males slightly smaller.
Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Rearing a new generation of breeders now! |
Hierodula patellifera - Indochina/Asian Mantis Adult "brown phase" female H. patellifera
A gorgeous large species, these guys are usually green, but as you can see, they also have a "brown phase" in which they are mottled with brown on a greenish background. These are an ever-hungry species that will eat all that you put in front of them...and then come back for seconds! They are very aggressive and will not hesitate to snatch a sibling up for dinner! All that being said, we really do love these guys, as they are large, easy-to-handle and easy to care for! Non-communal, not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Rearing a new generation of breeders! |
Thesprotia graminis - Grass Mantis These are full-grown adults!
The nymphs of this species are TINY! They remind me of a little eyelash hair! Adults are close to 2 inches long (male is slightly smaller). They love to pose like a stick and remind me of Popa spurcas in their nervous "freeze" stance. Smaller nymphs need more frequent misting or they dehydrate quickly...use the finest mist possible to avoid drowning the nymphs! L2 nymphs absolutely require WINGLESS D. mels (they are smaller than regular D. mels), and the older the culture the better (older cultures produce smaller flies.) When ordering, please remember to get food, as these little guys will perish quickly without it! (If I see that you are ordering L2 T. graminis nymphs and a wingless D. mel culture, I will automatically give you an older one, if I can!) These are a U.S. native species. ♥♥♥
*Species lost!* - If you have this species and would like to help, please contact us! |
Cilnia humeralis - Wide-armed Mantis Adult female C. humeralis
These guys are just awesome! A beautiful, gentle mantis in shades of green (varies from Granny Smith to lime green!) and very few browns (coffee & cream brown). They are reminiscent of a boxer mantis crossed with the classic mantis in shape & size with very stocky raptorial arms, capable of taking down very large prey. Highly aggressive feeders, who always seem to be hungry. This is a largish-medium species with females maturing at around 2.5-3", males slightly smaller. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Rearing a new generation of breeders! |
Hierodula membranacea - Giant Asian Mantis The male is pictured above, female below. *Please note that these are two color phases of the same species. Colors cannot be requested on nymphs, because they change as they get older.
Another awesome species, they are HUGE! These guys are one of THE biggest species that can be found in the hobby, and they are amazing!
They are easy & forgiving, and for all their massive size, they are very gentle and handleable, and not too picky about food either! They mate easily and males last a considerable amount of time, waiting for females to mature, as they tend to molt to adulthood first. We have seen them to a third generation with no difficulties, so we hope to have them around for a long time! Colors range from candy apple green to a bright baby pink, and we have even had a female right now who is lemon yellow with pink highlights on the sides of her wings! Gorgeous! I even like males of this species for a pet mantis, as they last just as long as the females, get just as large (except in the frame) and have the prettiest/brightest colors on their wings! If this is not a hobbyist favorite by now...it really should be. Great for beginners who want a large mantis. There is really not enough good things I could say about these guys! ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Breeding now! Click to set custom HTML
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Heterochaeta sp. Adult female Heterochaeta posing on a 12" net cube.
A very rare species right now...the hatchlings are HUGE. They eat readily and are fairly forgiving. Breeding in captivity proves very difficult, though, and we lost our original group.
Nymphs can be very jumpy, though they calm down when older. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - Please contact us if you have this species! |
Sphodromantis viridis - Giant African Green/Bush Mantis S. viridis adult male. Inset is an older S. viridis nymph.
A very leggy Sphodromantis species. Adult colors vary from a vivid "candy apple" green to a taupe/mauvy beige. As nymphs, they are often mint green or creamy beige. A very calm & nice-to-handle Sphodromantis species! They are bodily the same size as most large species, but they have a HUGE leg span! These guys need a bit higher humidity than other Sphodromantis species in order to molt properly. I'd recommend misting them 2x a day. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Breeding now! |
Statilia nemoralis - Asian Jumping Mantis
A very interesting small-medium species. Adults will be in the 2-inch range with red-brown/pale green-brown coloration. Nymphs are very calm. Very easy beginner species! Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species, we'd love to hear from you! |
Polyspilota aeruginosa - Madagascan Marbled Mantis Adult pair, mating
Very good eaters is an understatement for these guys! I couldn't believe that such small nymphs could eat so much, but they sure do! A very calm, medium species, these guys are great with their mild manners & pastel highlights. A great species for handling, even small nymphs are not jumpy at all. Colors range from a beautiful peachy green to green-marbled brown. Adults are around 3-1/2" long. Needs more ventilation than other species. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species, we'd love to hear from you! |
Tenodera sinensis - Chinese Mantis Fresh adult female Chinese mantis
Typical starting species for the beginner! These guys are cheap, easy to feed and get big. Classic "mantis" shape, they grow to be either green or brown and range around 4 inches long. The earlier instars can be difficult to keep alive, but that's why they have SO MANY babies! (And why they are cheaper when they are younger!) These are aggressive feeders that will eat just about anything you put in with them. In the wild, they have even been known to take down hummingbirds, small snakes and lizards! Despite their aggressive feeding response, they are fairly calm & easy to handle as adults. Some rare adults can & will try to bite humans (usually wild-caught ones). Other than the initial pinch, no harm usually comes from such attempts. Nymphs can be "jumpy", but not too fast. These are a naturalized species, so they CAN be released if you find you have too many! (These are actually the ones you get when you purchase "mantis egg sacks" for your garden!) Non-communal. Can be released anywhere in the US.
♥♥♥ These are a seasonal species and MAY only be available during the spring-early summer. *Out of Stock!* - Hatching now! L2/L3 nymphs will be available soon! Limited Time Offer! For a limited time, we will be offering Chinese Mantis Oothecae for purchase! If you are an educator or natural gardener, wishing to hatch your own "safe for release" mantids, this is what you have been looking for! Each ooth will come with simple instructions for setting up your ooth to hatch, either indoors or outdoors, and will be backed by our "Ooth Guarantee" (see page for details). Good luck! ...and don't forget the fruit flies to feed your hoarde...available here!
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Phyllocrania paradoxa - Ghost Mantis Main picture is a rare "green phase" nymph, inset is the more typical "brown phase".
The pinnacle of every beginner's collection! All the exotic looks with virtually none of the hassles. This species breeds easily, and you could soon find yourself caring for hundreds of nymphs in a very short amount of time! They come in four color phases: Black, dark brown, tan & green, but you never know for sure what you'll end up with till their final molt! Communal to sub-adult, then separate. Not to be released in the US. ***Breeders Note: I have been breeding for a high concentration of GREEN Ghosts for the past few generations (frequent misting & holding back for breeding the brightest green individuals possible), and I expect to have many greens to offer in the next hatch of nymphs...HOWEVER, color is not guaranteed to stay (if you don't consistently mist them every day, they can still turn darker on the next molt), and be aware that males are NEVER green upon adulthood (but I expect many green-tinged male nymphs in the next generation). ♥♥♥♥ *In Stock!* - L2/L3 nymphs now available! (Currently eating houseflies...available here.) *Please note* - Some of the nymphs available are from our own breeding for "Hi-Green" Ghosts, where I have bred my greenest females to males that showed some green when they were nymphs (no one has yet witnessed a green adult male.) We cannot guarantee that these nymphs will become green as adults, but if they are kept moist throughout their nymph stages, a large percentage of "Hi-Green" nymphs *should* become green adults! |
Scroll all the way down for more available mantids! Thanks!
Sinomantis denticulata - Glass mantis Subadult male Sinomantis
A new species in culture, these guys were a little intimidating for me because of their small size, but once they reach L3, you can really start to appreciate their beauty without too much anxiety. Their coloring is simply amazing, L3 nymphs are an almost-clear, pale turquoise color! When they eat, you can actually see the prey moving down through their esophagus into their stomach! They do sometimes jump, but it is not very common. There will be VERY few of these made available, so get them while they last!. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species & would like to help, we'd love to hear from you! |
Parasphendale agrionina/affinis - Budwing Mantis Adult female Budwing "threat display"
Very easy to keep beginner species, they are known for their voracious appetites and are great fun to watch stalk & hunt their prey. Females are close to 3" long & males somewhat smaller. They are often a pale brown color with pink & green highlights and the females are very fat! Adults are fairly aggressive as you can see from this female's threat display, but generally docile to handle.
Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Breeding now! |
Creobroter apicalis - Yunnan Flower Mantis
A small flower mantis, these guys are almost indistinguishable from the other Creobroters. Markings will be slightly different and C. apicalis is also a bit larger and more of an olive drab color than the other flower species. Main photo is a female, inset photo is a male.
Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species & are willing to share, we'd love to hear from you! |
Gonatista grisea - Florida/Grizzled Bark Mantis
While not particularly active, these guys are still a real pleasure to behond. They are not a particularly hungry species, so keeping them fed shouldn't be an issue. Their colors are an amazing lichen mimic...they are nearly invisible on trees in the wild! Non-communal. Can be released in the US. (Though not recommended!) ♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species and would like to share, we'd love to hear from you. |
Acanthops falcata/parafalcata - South American Dead Leaf Mantis Adult female Acanthops
An adorable small species that will curl up & play dead when startled! They prefer houseflies, but will also eat mealworms & small roaches from tongs. They can be difficult to breed, as males are rare in this species! Very cute small brown "leaf" mantis with a cat-like face. They range around 1 - 1 & 1/2" long and are great if you need a space-saver mantis!
Semi-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Looking for new stock! Click to set custom HTML
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Phyllovates chlorophaea - Texas Unicorn Mantis Adult male Texas Unicorn mantis
Another new species! These guys are medium-sized and fairly gentle with a little "unicorn horn" atop their head. A great alternative if you don't like the jumpiness of Sybillas. Adult males are good flyers & seem to enjoy flying around every chance they get! These guys will eat pretty much anything that moves, though, they do seem to have a preference for flies. Non, communal. Can be released in the US (southern states.)
♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species & would like to help, please let us know! |
Sibylla pretiosa - Cryptic Mantis Fresh Adults - Wings later turn green.
Another very new species for us, these guys remind me of little Violins. They are much more skittish, however. We have been told that they have a tendency to "run", but so far they seem calm, if easily startled. These are probably the most animated mantis. Even at rest, it seems like they are constantly in motion...disguising their movements as if they were a leaf in the breeze! Definitely fun to watch in an enclosure, as they constantly sway stutter, or jitter while moving, and at rest! Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Rearing a new generation of breeders now! |
Omomantis zebrata Adult female O. zebrata shown with subadult male.
This is a medium species with very ornate wings. Underside of abdomen is highly textured. Very mild-mannered & easily handled. Easy to feed, easy to breed. Pictures don't do these guys justice! Slightly prone to bacterial problems. Species needs daily misting, but must be kept clean & well-ventilated. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species & would like to help, we'd love to hear from you! |
Hierodula sp. "Pink Eye"
Another very new species for us, this one promises to be a real winner with a rainbow of color! Looks like it will be a medium species, ranging from 3-4 inches long. Nymphs are calm and not prone to jumping. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US.
*Species Lost!* - If you have this species and would like to share, we'd love to hear from you! |
Decimiana Bolivari - South American Dead Leaf Mantis
Yet another dead leaf mantis from South America...This one looks very much like Acanthops except that it is a bit darker and much more "smooth" in appearance (Acanthops almost look mossy.) Same habits, but Decimiana appears to be a little calmer & less easily startled. We do not have enough of these guys for breeding, but would love to acquire more stock.
*Species Lost!* - If you have this species and would like to share, we'd love to hear from you! Sphodromantis lineola - Giant African Mantis
Another large species, these guys are aggressive feeders....so if you want to watch your mantis actively chase its prey, this is the one for you! They can be bright green or brown in color, sometimes ending up as peachy-colored adults. Easy to care for, perfect beginner species, as mismolts are rare. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Breeding soon! |
Pseudoharpax virescens -Gambian Spotted-Eye Flower Mantis Adult female Gambian
If a lively group of little green mantids is what you seek, look no further! These guys are easy to keep and breed readily. Semi-Communal. Not to be released in the US.
♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you this species & are willing to share, we'd love to hear from you! |
Stagmomantis limbata - Arizona/Bordered Mantis Adult female shown. Inset: Subadult Nymph
Another medium mantis with the classic "mantis" look, these guys feed well & grow well. Easy to care for & breed...easy to handle & quite forgiving of a little neglect on occasion (misting & feeding every other day is fine.) Colors range from a bright green (most common) to a verdigrised grey to creamy beige with pink wings on these guys. Very pretty! (Colors cannot be requested because they can change as a mantis molts & matures.)
Adults have quite a size range, with some of our females as small as 2.25" and some as large as 3.5" in length! Non-communal. Can be released in the US (Southwest). ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Breeding now! |
Gongylus gongylodes - Violin Mantis Adult female Violin
A medium species with more exotic looks. These guys are gentle enough to keep together, but strong enough to take down houseflies at L3! Very fun to watch as they "sway" back & forth, checking out their surroundings! Need good ventilation and ONLY eat flying foods. Communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species, we'd love to hear from you! |
Stagmomantis carolina - Carolina Mantis Male S. carolina
A medium species that is easy to keep & breed. The females will eat their mate about 40% of the time, so extra males are handy! Females are easy to handle, but males like a bit of "flight time". They can be either green or brown. Non-communal. Can be released in the US (Southeast to Midwest). ♥♥♥♥ *Out of Stock!* - Hatching now! L2/L3 nymphs will be available soon! |
Creobroter gemmatus - Indian/Jeweled Flower Mantis pictured is a C. pictipennis nymph...C. gemmatus look very similar, but pastel-colored.
Truly gems of the insect world! This small species grows well, eats well & breeds well. Very similar to the other two Creobroter species listed on this page...the only differences are the markings. Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. (Picture is of a nymph.) ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species & would like to help, we'd love to hear from you! |
Iris Oratoria - Mediterranian Mantis
A medium mantis species in shades of verdigrised grey to pale green. They hatch out VERY tiny, but take D. melanogasters down just fine. They seem partial to ground-dwelling prey such as crickets & mealworms, but will also grab flying food. Fairly calm & easy to breed. Adult males are rare & don't last long, however. Non-communal.
Can be released in the US (widespread, but mostly the west coast). ♥♥♥♥ These are a seasonal species, and will only be available spring-early summer! *Out of Stock* |
Rhombodera stalli - Java Shield Mantis
This is a large, easy-to-care-for species that we consider a prime candidate for the beginner. There is very little that can go wrong with keeping or breeding these guys, and they are so personable! You may have noticed a recent name change on these guys, there was some confusion in the hobby as to the origin of this stock, but after commicating with a top breeder & expert on taxonomy, we have discovered that our stock is actually Rhombodera stalli. That is good because Rhombodera stalli is a much hardier captive than Rhombodera basalis! Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species and are willing to share, we'd love to hear from you! |
Creobroter nebulosus - Chinese Flower Mantis
Aggressive feeders & beautiful coloration. What's not to like about these guys? They are very easy for beginners and a real joy to behold. Males are rare, though, and because of this, breeding can be a challenge! Non-communal. Not to be released in the US. ♥♥♥♥ *Species Lost!* - If you have this species and are willing to share, we'd love to hear from you! |
